Chapter 3.30: Dear Diary, to Pass the Torch

Dear Diary, you began a long time ago with my grandmother, then you were passed on to my father, and finally, continued by me. We’ve had quite a strange journey, haven’t we?

As I stood next to Matthieu in the garden, I gazed over our children who were weeding and watering. All of them were now young adults except Susan who claimed she couldn’t wait to be old enough to take the entrance exam at Longview University. Although she didn’t know what she wanted to focus her studies on, that particular school was the best of the best.

But Susan wasn’t the only one with plans. I’ll get to specifics on that later because, at that particular moment, I was feeling a mixture of nostalgia, sadness, and excitement. Nostalgia because my children were grown, sadness because I knew they were all making plans in order to lead their own lives and excitement for all of the above. I’d spent my adulthood with Matthieu, filling this house with children because I’d known only too well what it was like to grow up alone.

When I finally had a sister, I took her for granted and didn’t appreciate it. But you already know that story.

I must have sighed rather loudly since Matthieu, who didn’t pause from what he was doing, said, “Cheer up, honey.”

After a few moments, I sighed again. “At least four of the children are going to leave Winchester, I’m sure of it.”

Knowing better than to meddle with my mother’s instincts, he smiled slightly. “We knew this day was going to come. I know that doesn’t make it any easier, but we’ve been preparing mentally for this for a long time.”

“You’re right.” I tried to smile back at him but I’m sure my attempt was pretty lame in appearance. “I’m excited for them, I really am.”

Squeezing my fingers lightly with his, it felt good to have his rough hands caressing mine. His simple touch reminded me that I had a partner who would never leave me and the callouses hinted to his strength and love he had for me and our family.

“You’ve been a little mopey since you decided it was time to pass on your family journal.”

It was true. Once the twins had their eighteenth birthdays, I realized all at once how much time had really gone by since I began writing the events that outlined my life. It was time to pick an heir, which I had done.

I had chosen one of the girls to carry on our family tradition. I was sure any of them could have done it, but one girl, in particular, I felt, might need the daily reminder that her family was not too far away.

Satisfied that the decision I’d made was a good one, and happy in the knowledge that my children would make their own ways in the world, I presented Matt with a genuine smile.

“That’s more like it,” he said, pulling me into his arms.

As soon as his fingers touched my hair, I knew I would be rewarded with a kiss that only he could provide.

Later that day, we took the ferry to the mainland to get professional photos of our family. It seemed like the right thing to do since the Larochette family might not all be in one place for much longer.

The kids were thrilled that they were allowed to wear whatever they wished and the photos turned out really well. I will cherish them always and remember the fun times we had together.

By the time we got home, I was exhausted. When Marty didn’t show up for dinner, I went looking for her. After searching everywhere, I saw that a lantern was lit in the barn loft. I didn’t much relish the idea of mounting the ladder to get up there, but I was too curious to turn away.

“Oh, momma! You scared me!”

“Good heavens! What are you wearing?”

Grinning from ear to ear, she said, “One of grandpa’s old concert t-shirts! Isn’t it great? I love their music so much!”

Suppressing a groan, I said, “Where did you ever get it?”

“I found it in one of the dresser drawers in Monte Vista!”

“Well, it looks more like a napkin than a shirt.”

“It’s perfectly acceptable where I’m going,” she laughed.

“You act as if you can’t wait to leave,” I said, although I was smiling softly. Her enthusiasm was contagious.

“I’ll miss all of you, don’t worry.”

“I’m not. By the way, what are you doing up here? I came looking for you because you’re not usually one to skip dinner.”

“I was trying to find that old trunk. I thought I could use it to get there. I mean, there’s so much to bring!”

“Ah, well, Carrie already laid claim to that old thing, I’m afraid.”

“It figures. I can’t wait until I don’t have to share anything with anyone.” She said this, however, her eyes told a different story. All at once, she seemed perplexed.

“Marty, I thought you were excited. You’ve been talking about this for such a long time. What’s the matter? We can find something else to pack your things in. We got to Monte Vista just fine, didn’t we?”

“Oh, momma, it’s not that.”

“Then what is it?”

“I want to go places and do well. And I want you and daddy to be proud of me.”

My heart began pounding faster as it became all too real that my oldest daughter was leaving very soon. Pushing my emotions back as well as I could, I smiled tenderly at her, gently saying, “No matter what you do in life or where you go, you will always have a home here with parents and brothers and sisters that love you dearly.”

“I have such big dreams! Is it normal to feel so excited yet so apprehensive that you wanna throw up?”

As she spoke, her beautiful eyes lit up and her cheeks flushed prettily. I could see the innocent yearning in those eyes and I wanted to tell her she couldn’t go, that she had to stay on the farm where it was safe.

But she could never be happy doing that, and I knew it.

She would go on her adventures and she wouldn’t be as homesick as she imagined, I was quite certain of that. This child of mine would have such a breath taking life that it could only mean this life here would be far from her mind. She needed something from here that would remind her of her family and where she came from.

And that is why I chose her to be the heir and journal keeper.

-:¦:–:¦:–:¦:–:¦:–:¦:–:¦:-

Here are the specifics on the kids I was mentioning earlier:

Charles has his eye on a nice young lady named Zoé. They’ve known each other their entire lives, of course, but he hasn’t acted on anything yet. Whenever I try to encourage him to speak to her or make a move, Matthieu reminds me he has plenty of time.

Charles has decided to stay on the island and work our farm with his father. When Matt is ready to retire, Charles will take over.

Laurent is also staying on the island. He’s been working with Alice, who now runs her own little clinic which is centrally located in Winchester. Laurent has taken a room near the clinic and hopes to take over for Alice when she retires.

Elisabeth wants to go with her grandparents to China. They still travel quite a bit and have asked her to come along on this adventure. Lissie is beside herself with excitement and can’t wait to go. Afterwards, she would like to come back to Winchester. We’ll see if that changes, though, once she’s been in the world a bit longer.

It will be her first time away from Carrie.

Speaking of Caroline, she is on her way back to Monte Vista and my worst fear is that she will fall right into the arms of Luca Rossi. They’ve been separated by quite a bit of time, so who knows if he even still lives there?

All I can hope is that she has a better idea now about what a good relationship looks like.

Our youngest, Susan, is still a teen and I’ll keep her as long as I can. Did I just write that? Dear me.

She wants to go to Longview University but she doesn’t know exactly what she would like to study. She loves history and is very good at every subject she tackles. This girl could do anything and I think she has the motivation to do just that!

And what is our heir going to do? Well, that’s a surprise. I’ve promised her I won’t write it down just yet because she wants to put her plans as her first diary entry.

All I can say is, it will be quite a ride!

That night, as the sun went down, I sat on the bench by the pond and gazed at our house. From the open windows, I could hear the chatter of my family as they went about their routines.

Laughter, intermixed with shouting and guffaws put the biggest smile on my face. In a way, I was saying goodnight to you, Diary, but also to these sounds that would fade once the children went their own ways.

The smoke from the chimney stood out against the swirls of pink and orange in the sky. The voices inside, all unique in their own ways, were a music to my ear that I would always hear in my mind when looking at this place I loved.

The End
Generation 3

Author’s Note:I’d like to say special thanks to Bee for so graciously making the family pose set for their portrait! It turned out beautifully, and I’m just so happy with it! Thank you, Bee! You can check out and download her poses here: Poses by Bee.

Another person I would like to thank is Em from The Book of Karrifor making the beautiful “Accidental Therapy” shirts! I’m so geeked to have them in my game! Thank you, Em! (You can download yours by following the link on Em’s site here! She also wrote a very lovely review of Noble Doubt.)

And, to you, dear friends, I would like to say a huge thank you for taking this ride through Generation 3! I know the beginning was rough because Blue was less than likable, but I appreciate so much that you continued to read. ❤ You all are the best!

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63 thoughts on “Chapter 3.30: Dear Diary, to Pass the Torch”

That t-shirt is awesome! I guess that means I got bumped from number 1 fan! *tears

I’m glad Blue is not looking back on her life with too much sadness, a little is always expected, but it’s been a good life for her and we have all enjoyed it immensely. I’m sure we will still see her in Marty’s story….right? I’m not quite ready to let go of my fav character.

I am disappointed Susan didn’t win. Heck I never win anything, why should my character? But I do like what you have planned for Marty’s future, so I will eat my cookies in sadness and wait for the chapters to come rolling in. I did like Marty as a child, so I’m sure I will like her as an adult too.

Thank you so much, Bee! 🙂 I’m sure Blue will pop in on Generation 4. I’m not quite ready to give her up yet either. I know you wanted Susan to win so badly. You know she is going to play a part in the next generation, too. 😀 I’m still fleshing it all out, but I have some ideas! Don’t be sad. 😥 🙂

My Goodness, yes! My heir won, the girl I chose as soon as I got to know her in Blue’s diary, when she was still little. I am so happy and proud!
I have really enjoyed generation 3 and the beautiful family pictured in Blue’s story and also how Blue’s character has developed throughout the years. I am super excited for generation 4, because I know it will be just as enjoyable as were the other 3. You’re the best Kym. Also, the Epilogue for generation 3 will be published on 23rd, so you will start just as I end ❤ 🙂

Oh man, why do I always choose the underdog? Carrie only got 25 votes?? LOL!
But I’m veeery excited about Marty being the heir and the adventures that await her! She’s certainly a fiery one! 😉 And the t-shirt looks like it was made for her! (Blue’s suppressed groan when Marty gushed about her grandpa’s band had me chuckle!)
Such a lovely farewell to generation 3! Can’t wait for the next one! ❤

I’m sorry Carrie didn’t win. But I am so glad you’re still excited about Marty’s future adventures! 😀 I think that shirt was made for her, too. lol I’ll admit, I chuckled, too, when I was writing Blue’s response to Marty gushing over Leo’s band. haha

I’ll see you in Generation 4! Thank you so much for your continued support. ❤

What a great way to end Blue’s generation and begin the next! I am excited to see what trouble Marty stirs up! Ha! She has always done or tried to do exactly what she wanted. I don’t imagine that’s going to change! Love the t-shirts and Bee’s poses are always so nice!

Ah the end picture was too cute! Also in my head I was screaming Yes when I found out Marty was the heir! I love Marty so much and I can’t wait for her to love her life off this island. Don’t get me wrong, the island is cute and everything but Marty and the real world she be an adventure and fun time!

Thank you for all your support! ❤ That end pic HAD to happen! LOLOL As soon as I saw the shirts Em made, my mind exploded with possible ways to show it off. hahaha

I'm so glad you're happy about Marty winning! Life may be a rollercoaster for her, but at least we know it will always be an adventure for her! LOLOL And I'm sooo ready to leave the island! Just that has me very excited to begin the next Gen. haha

MM Simmerific

Squeeeeeee!!!! That last photo. I’m completely geeking out, it’s ridiculous. It’s fricking better than a signed guitar, coz I’m awful at playing guitar. Can I grab the photo and put it on the review? Will it be spoilery? Gah!

I had goosebumps the entire time I was reading. It’s so weird that Generation 3 is over!

BUT… BUT… I am so looking forward to where you’re taking this! Fashion designer career? Stylist? (Getting so many Cricket vibes from that though.) Well, whatever is in store for Marty, I’m sure it’ll be amazing!

“…one girl, in particular, I felt, might need the daily reminder that her family was not too far away.” – When I read this, I kind of had an inkling she’d won, and I’m glad she did, and I hope that at some point in her generation, we’ll see her once again wear rain boots.

Oh… and I laughed out loud at Blue’s reaction when she saw the shirt. Napkin. So true! Hahaha

You’re geeking out? Good grief, I was soooo giddy making that pic! LOLOL Thank you so much, again, for the shirts! I just love them sooo much! I can’t go on enough about it all. 😀 And yes, grab the photo! 😀

I can put your mind to rest about the Cricket vibes. hahaha Marty is not going into the fashion industry… although that would be cool! I can’t say much more than that, but I can tell you that much.

I kind of wondered if that sentence would give it away. LOL I’m really glad you enjoyed it and I thank you so much for your support.

Oh – yes, Blue’s reaction! hahaha And then I made her wear it in the pic with the heirs! LOLOL I think they’re so lovely, but you already know that.

So many mixed emotions. Even with all of her flaws I loved Blue. It was such an amazing journey that you took us on with her story.
I am excited that Marty won the vote, but I still liked Susan. (Don’t worry Bee, I never win anything either). I always knew that no matter who won, you would make their story great, you are just that talented of a writer!!
And I LOVED that last picture with everyone in Accidental Therapy t-shirts. Memphis looks like a rocking supermodel!!

I have mixed emotions, too. 🙂 Blue was definitely flawed, but there was a goodness in her that won out in the end. I’m so glad you enjoyed reading about her and I thank you for always being there, cheering her on. ❤

As for Susan, she will be included in the next generation in some capacity, if not right away, later on for sure. 😀 Your words about my writing are so sweet and I thank you for the encouragement!

As soon as I saw the shirt Em made, I knew I had to get a pic of all the heirs wearing it! haha It's fun for me, seeing them all young again. 😀

What a great ending! Even though Blue started out less likeable, I had faith that she’d mature – and look at how lovely she is now! I’m so excited for Marty’s generation, even though I didn’t vote for her. The pictures were beautiful, love seeing all the family together! Keep up the great work 😀

babay_j

Wow! I didn’t see my tears coming! I guess I was more invested in Blue than I really knew, and actually teared up at the end! sniff I must admit, I had to vote twice, one for Marty and one for Susan, so I am a double winner!! Yay! And don’t forget to have Marty pack her rain boots!! I have loved her ever since she started wearing those darn boots everywhere..spunk written all over that kid! And Susan is just as spunky in her own, quieter way. The shirts are wonderful, and that last pic needs a frame! It was nice to see Leo with his pink hair, again! =D What a week for endings and new beginnings, between you and SweetP, my emotions have been on a ride. Can’t wait to see what kind of mischief Marty will find, and hate waiting for her first entry! Torture! I can blame Irma for a couple of gray hairs, but you are causing me more!! ♥

Thank you so much, Marj! You’re always so supportive and encouraging. 🙂 I understand the tears and sniffles. I’ve had them, too, thinking about saying goodbye to Blue. It was okay to vote for more than one girl, you weren’t the only one who did that, I’m sure. I seem to recall some previous comments that mentioned this. 😀 I agree about the last pic needing a frame! I’ve been trying to figure out where I could use it on the site because it’s really a perfect representation of this story. lol I did put it on the Accidental Therapy page which can be found under Noble Doubt Extras. 😀

I’m already hearing Marty’s voice in my head and what she wants to say first in her new diary! I can’t wait to sort it all out! ❤

Thank you so much, Cathy! Your support has been unending and I thank you for that also. ❤ I'm excited about Marty, too, and can't wait to get going on her first entry since I'm already hearing her voice in my head. 😀 I'm so glad you love them all.

Oh so cool! I was Team Lissie, but I actually quite liked all the kids and where their stories could go, so I voted shallowly based on looks. Something about her face called to me just a smidge more than the others. (I know the twins are supposed to be identical but I could always tell them apart in pics, even when they had the same hairstyle.) Marty held a soft spot in my heart for being a tomboy as I’m one myself, so I’m happy to hear her story too.

That is so awesome, snazzle! Thank you so much! I think Lissie would have been a great story, trying to find her own way without being associated with her twin. Perhaps she will write to Marty from time to time and we’ll hear how she is doing. 😀 (And she has a great face! 😀 )

The twins were hard for me to tell apart when they were children, but as they got older, I could see the differences more. You are good to have been able to see it right away! 😀

Dagnabbit! I was hoping against hope that Lissie would win. But, as has been mentioned by others, you really are a fantastic writer. So I knew, regardless of who won, the story would still be worth the read.

So here’s to Marty and her adventures! We’ll see what kind of trouble she can get into! 😉

Rosie

I’m so excited! I kind of expected Marty might win. I mean, I was going to vote for her first myself, but then Susan won me over at the end. I’m so happy she’s still gonna appear. It pleases me to see she was super close. Darn it, I should have voted a few more times!! But I’m still pretty excited about Marty. Who is she gonna be!? Who will she fall in love with!? Will the first person she loves be her forever love!? So many things could happen and I can’t wait. PS: The shirt is amazing. Lots of love to Karri for making it!!

lilsapphire

Yes my Marty girl won!!! I can not wait to see what her life holds. I am surprised that the island police ladies did not come barging onto the farm while everyone was weeding and watering in off island clothes. I would have had to beat the two ladies had they done so for ruining one of Blue’s final memories of the family together.
I am glad Blue isn’t too sad over her family growing and moving away, but in truth I think secretly she is tired and ready for a slower pace of life with just her and Matt.

Thank you, Lil! Yep, she won! LOL about the island police. They were probably left alone because they were at home and also wearing them on the ferry to leave the island for their photos. But who knows? I’m sure they’re watching. :O 😛

You just might be right about Blue needing a rest. She’s had a busy time with this brood of hers! lol

Wowzas, what a great end to Generation 3! I am happy Marty won, it seems like an exciting adventure is ahead of her. And I’ve had a wonderful time reading about Blue. She has really grown as a person, and I am sad that we are going to be leaving her behind when Marty leaves. It was awesome seeing the pictures with all the family, though. And that last picture with all the heirs wearing the Accidental Therapy shirts just about brought tears to my eyes. I love these characters so much ❤
Can't wait to see what Marty's story will be like 🙂

Thank you, Lila! You were the very first person to comment on this blog and have been so supportive since the very first chapter! ❤ I'm so glad you've enjoyed Gen 3 and are looking forward to 4! I cannot wait to be in the rl again and see where Marty takes us!

This is the first time I felt like I really needed a portrait of the entire family together. Looking back, I should have done this with every Gen, I think. And the heirs wearing the shirts! I had the same reaction. ❤

Great ending! I was so torn between them all, but I think Marty will be great. Someone said they fell in love with her from the beginning and yes, it’s true, she was the easiest one to really get behind as was Susan. I’m really looking forward to the next chapter. Enjoy your respite.

Thank you, Lisa ❤ I really didn't know how it was going to turn out. At times, Carrie was ahead, then Lissie. Later in the week, Susan jumped ahead of them all, then Marty and she kept changing places for a while. At one point, they were tied. 😀

Oooooooh, Marty will be an interesting story. I feel like she better fits the family’s…history? lol. I honestly voted for Susan, then Lissie. I was curious to see how you’d approach Susan’s body issues, and really wanted to see what you did with that challenge. I later voted for Lissie as I assumed her life would be a more chill and idyllic one; maybe even one that was more Jane Austen romance-ish? I also was curious as to how you’d approach that story (albeit totally in my head!).

Marty’s such a firecracker and I can’t wait to see what she gets herself into, as she hasn’t always had the best of comfort in her own skin as well (thinking back to her low-key gender identity crisis as a child).

I’m so excited to see where Marty’s story goes. And I found Blue a very interesting heir – different from many legacies – and I think people shy away from giving characters genuine flaws that make parts of them unlikeable, so she’s realistic, and I appreciate that. Besides, she’s grown so much, and is such a wonderful mother, I really feel for her now that her kids are growing up and leaving!

I’m so glad you are excited to get into Marty’s story! I’m really excited, too, setting up her save and getting some pics. Thank you so much for the things you said about Blue and the way she was written. You don’t know how much I appreciate that. ❤ ❤

Great ending and synopsis. I will miss them as they were. Each one of them took a piece of my heart. Well life is filled growing pains with the unexpected. I hope Carrie doesn’t become dissuaded and lose focus as heir to the journal.

Awwwwwww! I know there’s not much else to hear from Blue about, but somehow I’m still not ready to be rid of her lol. Can’t wait to see what Marty is getting herself into. Is Carrie living by herself in the Villa?

I’m the odd one out. I wanted one of the other girls to win. Didn’t matter which. I’m just less excited to read about Marty. Don’t know why really but hopefully she’ll win me over as Blue did. I actually wanted one of the boys so that could be my problem lol.
I wish we had seen more of the boys, who were the true underdogs of all the kids since they didn’t even get a chance to become heir 😦 It was a lovely ending though to Blue’s generation. Blue really grew into a lovely person which I didn’t think was possible at the beginning of her story. So I’m hoping for the same with Marty.